Helping Baby Boomers to continue to earn income, as long as they want

09/30/2016

Cover Letters - They Are You

We Baby Boomers knew from the get-go that business is personal. We were hired not only because of our experience and skills. "They" liked us. Recognized we could fit into the organizational culture. And wouldn't rock the boat.

Yet, our formal training in traditional work settings might have gotten us into the habit of framing our business communications as all-business. That, unfortunately, might have become an obstacle in how we pitch ourselves in cover letters for jobs, temporary assignments, and new business for our enterprises.

The major problem is that we don't transmit through the tone, language and choice of highlights who we are. Not that those hiring want to know a lot about us. Usually they do want to know, though, enough to determine if we are a good fit for what they need and the norms of their workplace.

It's time to let down our guard a bit. We can adopt a friendly tone. We use language that is professional but not totally business. Yes, if we mean it, leverage terminology such as "awesome opportunity." And present types of experience which may not be standard. For example, we were a part-time paid project director for fundraising for animal shelters in a three-state area. That commitment to animals could trigger a connection with those hiring.

No, we don't want to disclose bunches about ourselves. Employers aren't interested. And we could come across as not adequately focused on work tasks.

In short, cover letters are an introduction to who we are. Yes, they are us.